Rate and Review – Knitter’s Pride Mindful Collection

For my reviews, I like to comment first on the item itself, how does it compare to the description and its overall value. Then follow up with my personal opinions/experience of the item.

Company description:

THE GRATITUDE SET

INTERCHANGEABLE LACE NEEDLE SET 5″

The Mindful Collection is defined by Gratitude, a set that is offered in 14 sizes including 1 free size. The stainless steel needle tips are offered in a circular fabric case carrying the floral design using the theme colors of the collection.

Offered with 6 smart cords (in both swivel & fixed mechanism) with lifeline holes & an unparalleled selection of accessories that are packed in a detachable multi-purpose pouch. Each needle compartment is labeled with size so finding or storing the right needle will never be a chore again.

AVAILABLE SIZE RANGE :
US: 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5, 11, 13, 15, 17
MM: 3.00, 3.25, 3.50, 3.75, 4.00, 4.50, 5.00, 5.50, 6.00, 6.50, 8.00, 9.00, 10.00 & 12.00

CORDS 3 Swivel Cords (360 degree rotational):
1 cord each of 24″, 32″ & 40″
3 Fixed Cords: 1 cord each of 24″, 32″ & 40″

ACCESSORIES
6 End Caps
4 Cord Keys
1 pair of Cord Connectors
1 Needle Gauge
2 Darning Needles
10 Locking Stitch Markers
10 Split Stitch Markers
30 Round Stitch Markers

PACKAGING
Fabric case with floral motif

At first glance the packaging is BEAUTIFUL!!!! The case houses all the needles and within the case is a pouch that houses ALL of the accessories with an even smaller pouch for the cord keys and end caps. The slots where the needles go are fabric but maybe more canvas like and have the numbers of the needles on them so you know exactly what needle pair goes where. Speaking of identifying needles, each needle is etched with the sizing also along with words that are both meant to be encouraging and inspiring such as: Dream, Believe and Inspire. 

The sizes range from 2.5 to size 17, making it a size friendly set for your inclusive knitting wants and needs. There are 6 cords total; 3 fixed and 3 swivel in lengths 24″, 32″ and 40″. The needles are stainless steel and smooth to the touch. The 5 inch long tips are pointy and lend towards easier picking up of stitches. Overall, compared to other sets, this is a legitimate full sized set that should serve any knitter well for many, many projects. The current retail price for this set (at the time of writing this) on average is $195. (yes you read that right) See next section for my opinions on the set as a whole.

To Tell the Truth:

Let’s just start with the price tag shall we!?! I was floored at the retail pricing for this set and was fully prepared to give 2 thumbs down for that alone, however, I will start by saying this is truly a Knitters Investment. You have to be serious about the craft in order to justify dropping this kind of money.

With that being said, the value in this set is AMAZING. There are other knitters pride sets that I have that are lacking in some areas where this set fits the bill. One thing I love from the beginning is separate pockets for each needle set and the sizing is included on both the case and the needle. If you’ve ever had a set where the size rubs off you know how frustrating this can be when trying to figure out which needle sizes you have for your next project. Additionally, the cords are smart cords, meaning they have 1-inch marking along the length of the cord. In some projects you need two inches of ribbing, instead of looking for the measuring tape thats never around, you can eyeball it with the markings on the cord (not possible for all projects but definitely beneficial for smaller ones in my opinion).

Still on the topic of cords, if I could change one thing it would be to get rid of the fixed cords and just include all swivel cords. This is just preference but when switching needle tips or changing cords it so much more convenient to swivel the join instead of fighting with the entire cord as you spin it. I will say the fixed cords I don’t use because I purchased other knitters pride swivel cords to replace those.

I had one of their swivel cords break but returned it to the store and received a replacement and with that new cord no issues since then. Also, in full transparency, I’m notoriously rough on my cords. So that might be why it broke in the first place but with a normal usage you should be fine.

The amount of stitch markers that come with this set is unreal lol. There are locking markers, split ring markers, circle markers in multiple sizes. For those of us who like all of our markers to match this is a gem of accessory.

I have never used the Hiya Hiya brand of needles but I can only imagine that these pointy tips could rival them (hard maybe on that one, never used them before) I have pricked my pointer finger twice using these which says much about how pointy they are. The knitting experience though is soooo smooth. Maybe its due to the pointy tips easily grabbing the next stitch or the stainless steel finish being so smooth that the stitches just glide off the needle or maybe it’s due to really allowing myself to get into a “mindful” mood when knitting with this set but I LOVE this one.

Prior to this steel set I have gravitated towards the wood or bamboo types but I’ve often heard experienced knitters claim that metal needles are better and make for faster knitting. I can’t say for sure if its any faster but I will say the fatigue I normally have has diminished to a point where I can knit for a steady hour without stopping (barring any distractions or snacks in the way)

Should You or Shouldn’t You:

I will never tell anyone what they SHOULD do, but I will say if you are a serious knitter and have the duckets, or a plan to save for them, go for it! Over time, buying even just tips alone can become just as pricey. Not to mention, having everything in one foldable zippable case is extra convenient. If you decide to just get the tips and a cord, grab your favorite needle size and at least the 32 inch to try it out. It has been nothing but joy as I’ve been using this set and have not regretted purchasing it.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this set or any others you prefer. Comment below or find me on Instagram and let’s be friends.

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